Newsletter (7 March, 2025)

Wimmera Lutheran College Update

Earlier this week, Board Chair - Mr Mark Hughes received confirmation that the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) has granted registration to amend the scope of registration of Nhill Lutheran School to add two campuses; Dimboola and Horsham. The VRQA has also approved the change of name to Wimmera Lutheran College. This notification completes a lengthy registration process, dating back to the middle of last year.

I wish to acknowledge the work of Mrs Tammy Hughes, Director of Operations at LEVNT. Tammy was given the responsibility of preparing all relevant documentation and responding to a variety of tasks to allow the registration process to be completed. Wimmera Lutheran College is now official across all educational formats and platforms.

WLC Board Meeting

Last week was the first official Board Meeting of Wimmera Lutheran College. The meeting was held on the Horsham Campus and incorporated a mix of Board members who attended online and in person. The Board priorities for the year were set with a focus on:

Development of a Strategic Plan with a consultant to be approached to manage the scope of works
Development of the WLC Branding, Logo, and subsequently the uniform, with the consultant to assist with this process
Implementation of the Parent Advisory Group
Review of WLC's academic product and development of a contemporary learning model through Learning Tours for staff across the three campuses
Ensuring risk management is prioritised and policies are reviewed regularly
In-depth financial reporting and management to ensure KPI’s are reported on and plans put in place to reach key targets and goals
Meeting schedule to allow for meetings to be held across the three campuses throughout the year

Mr Mark Hughes, with the support of Board Members, will ensure the Board is operating from a position of strong and professional Governance which will be crucial as the new entity takes shape over this year.

Wimmera Machinery Field Days

This year the Wimmera Machinery Field Days were again held with a Wimmera Lutheran College Booth taking pride of place in the Moore Exhibition Centre. The Booth featured a variety of information about WLC from across the three campuses, including prospectus’, handouts, photos, videos, displays, enrolment information and interactive activities.

A big thank you to Promotions and Communications Manager, Mrs Georgia Thomas, for managing the Booth and ensuring staff and students were present across the three days. The Booth provided opportunities for current and old families to connect as well as offer prospective families the opportunity to engage and connect with WLC.

Horsham Campus Open Day

The schedule and structure for our 2025 Open Day and Transition timeline has been set. This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our vibrant community, highlight our programs, and engage with current and prospective families.

2025 Open Day Schedule

Date: Wednesday 21 May, 2025 (Term 2, Week 5)
1:45 - 5:00pm: Guided Tours led by Executive Leadership, departing every half hour
5:00 - 6:00pm: Interactive Showcase, primarily through Middle School
5:30 - 6:00pm: BBQ available for families and visitors
6:00pm: 2026 Year 7 Information Evening
7:00pm: Close

Additional Key Dates

Foundation Interviews: Starting from Term 1 holidays.
Year 7 Come and Try Day: Wednesday, 11 June (Term 2, Week 8).
Year 6 to Year 7 Interviews: From Term 2, Week 6.
Foundation Fun Day: Tuesday, 29 July (Term 3, Week 2).

All existing and new families are invited to engage with these key events. Please feel free to share this information with families that you think may be interested in finding out more about our amazing college.

Shrove Tuesday

Earlier this week WLC Horsham celebrated Shrove Tuesday with pancakes being served to all students from Foundation to Year 12. A massive thank you to the Admin team for organising the supplies, the SRC for their prep work, and the Maintenance and Wellbeing team for cooking and serving. A team approach allowed for over 500 pancakes to be served throughout the morning.

Mr Jason Przibilla
Executive Principal

This Tuesday students enjoyed being served pancakes during their school day. It was explained to the students that Tuesday was Shrove Tuesday, sometimes called Pancake Tuesday, a day on the Christian calendar where Christians traditionally eat pancakes as a way of signifying that the season of Lent is starting the next day.

The Lenten season runs the 40 days preceding Easter. It is a time that Christians traditionally forwent certain foods, especially those considered treats. Traditionally, foods like cream, butter, and eggs were considered special foods, and since those foods are the ingredients of pancakes, the tradition of eating pancakes on Shrove Tuesday began as a way to use up those ingredients before Lent commenced.

Choosing to forgo certain foods during Lent represents an intent to focus on Jesus’ death upon the cross, his sacrifice to atone for all of our wrongdoings, and also his glorious resurrection, proving he was indeed the son of God, able to give us eternal life. Throughout Lent, Christians might focus on expressing being sorry for our wrongdoings while also reflecting on the grace of God to send Jesus in our place, and the forgiveness, new life, and promise of heaven we can be assured of because of what Jesus has done.

This is explained in this verse from the book of Ephesians:

“He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. Through the blood of his Son, we are set free from our sins. God forgives our failures because of his overflowing kindness”. Ephesians 1:7

We have provided a range of resources including a Lent calendar and examples of activities that families can use to help engage in this season of Lent. These are from the Lutheran Church of Australia’s Children and Family Ministry, Grow Ministries, which has a plethora of resources for all occasions and situations. Visit their website at: Grow Ministries.

Blessings to you and your family in this season of Lent. May you know the love and grace of God at this time.

Please feel free to contact the College Chaplain, Kate Polack or Ps Hans Peethala at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church if you have any faith questions or needs.

Mrs Kate Polack
College Chaplain

Advent Devotional Easter Floral Cross Lent Calendar Lenten Activity Tree Prayer Cross Serving Bucket List

The Value of Talking with Your Teachers

At WLC, we believe that open and consistent communication between parents and teachers is key to supporting your child's learning journey. We encourage parents to connect with their child's teacher regularly, whether it's to share successes, discuss concerns, or seek guidance. Our teachers are committed to maintaining clear lines of communication and will respond to emails within 24 hours during the school week. By working together, we can create a strong partnership that fosters a positive and productive learning environment for every student.

Parking

Thanks to everyone for being patient in the carpark. We are noticing improvement in how people are alert to the seriousness of being safe in our school carpark, pick-up and drop-off. Thank you for leaving the disabled parks open, as we have a number of families who regularly use these spots. A special thanks to the staff for alerting people to this council by-law as well.

SRC

SRC has begun in the Junior School! We will meet every Thursday as we build toward hearing student voice from our students. At present, I am the teacher on call with our Junior SRC, ably assisted by Kelli Both and Jacqui North. We are also putting out a call for another teacher to join the team!

Awards (Week 4)

FL: Esme C, Olivia Y, Oscar F
FR: Esha D, Jasper M, Violet F
1H: Molly F, Aditi P
1P: Brady S, Winnie D
2H: Paddy S, Sarb K
2S: Joey N, Isaac K
3D: Sanuj R, Ariana R
3J: Alexis L, Roly C, Frankie E
4M: Jess S, Maggie K, Hazel P
4R: Mason R, Ava W
5D: Felix F, Aiden N
5J: Ollie M, Leo P, Maddox W
5K: Kingston L, Boh A
6H: Harper F, James P
6V: Jack Y, Casen P

Specialist Awards:
Chinese - Nash N, Daniel A, Alfred J, Violet H, Harper M

PE - 1P

Our Trinity Tiger (5-6) Award recipient was Beau M, Trinity Cub (3-4) Milla E, and Trinity Cub (F-2) Kasen B.

Week 7 (NAPLAN Week 1)

11 March: Year 6 Melbourne Camp departs
12 March: Year 4 camp leaves
14 March: 3J Chapel
14 March: Year 4 & Year 6 Camp returns

Week 8 (NAPLAN Week 2)

17 March: Junior School Assembly (all invited)
18 March: Harmony Day - wear orange, College wide
21 March: Year 12 lead chapel (all invited)

Week 9

26 March: Chapel - 2S (all invited)
27 March: Years 3-6 Athletics Carnival
28 March: Years F-2 Athletics Carnival

Week 10

31 March: Junior School Assembly (all invited)
4 April: Junior School Cross Country
4 April: 4M chapel

Mr Adam Borgas
Head of Junior School - Horsham Campus

As we move through Term 1, our students have been engaged in meaningful experiences that foster personal growth, connection, and learning. From the Year 12 Retreat to the Year 9 Rite Journey and key events like the VCE Information Evening and NAPLAN preparation, there has been much to celebrate and reflect on in our school community.

Year 12 Retreat

In Week 5, the Year 12 students attended their retreat in Halls Gap. This overnight camp provided a wonderful opportunity for students to strengthen their connections with classmates. They participated in team-building activities, supported one another, and reflected on their learning journey, setting goals for the year ahead.

Year 9 Rite Journey Calling and Departure Ceremony

In Week 5, we celebrated the Calling and Departure Ceremony for The Rite Journey. Year 9 students spent time with their parents, reflecting on their childhood and expressing gratitude for their support. After a fun-filled sleepover, they woke early to travel to Mount Arapiles and watch the sunrise—a symbolic moment marking the beginning of their journey toward adulthood. We wish the Year 9s all the best as they embark on this important program.

SRC at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days

This week, our SRC students proudly represented the College at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days. They welcomed visitors to the site and answered questions about our school community. We sincerely thank them for their enthusiasm and commitment over the course of the event.

VCE Information Evening

On Wednesday, we held a VCE Information Evening, covering key details about the VCE program and the VCE Vocational Major, including structure, terminology, and requirements. The session was recorded, and notes will be made available to parents via the HUB.

Later in the semester, we will begin the subject counselling process with a Subject Information Evening. This event will provide parents and students with valuable insights into individual subjects, helping them make informed decisions about their future pathways.

Year 12 Physics Excursion

On Thursday, our Year 12 Physics class traveled to Luna Park for a hands-on learning experience, deepening their understanding of motion in two dimensions. They also visited the Australian Synchrotron, where they learned how physicists harness photons emitted from accelerated electrons for applications in diverse fields such as medicine, criminology, chemistry, biology, and even art.

NAPLAN

NAPLAN begins next Wednesday for our Year 7 and 9 students. You can support your child by reassuring them that NAPLAN is a routine part of their schooling and encouraging them to simply do their best. Year Level Coordinators and Home Room teachers will work closely with students to support them throughout the two weeks of testing. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact them.

Important dates

Athletics Carnival: 31 March
Parent-Teacher Interviews: Term 2, 22 & 24 April

Mrs Kate Carter
Deputy Principal - Head of Secondary

Little Desert Swimming Carnival

Congratulations to the students that represented our school at the Little Desert Swimming Carnival on the 26 February.

The following results were achieved by our students in the Little Desert Division. The number in (brackets) refers to results in the combined Little Desert and Black Ranges Divisions. The top four in individual and top two in relay from the combined Little Desert & Black Ranges Division progress to Greater Western Region Swimming in Horsham on Wednesday 26 March.

Maggie K - 1st Freestyle (1), Medley Relay (1), Freestyle Relay (1) & 2nd Breaststroke (2)
Grace B - 1st Freestyle Relay (1), 2nd Backstroke (2) & 3rd Freestyle (3)
Hazel P - 1st Breaststroke (1) & Freestyle Relay (1)
Edith B - 1st Backstroke (1), Freestyle Relay (1), Medley Relay (1) & 2nd Butterfly (2)
Lilah M - 3rd Butterfly (3)
Oliver W - 1st Freestyle (1), Freestyle Relay (1) & 3rd Breaststroke (6)
Nash N - 1st Freestyle Relay (1), 2nd Breaststroke (5) & 3rd Freestyle (6)
Oscar A - 1st Freestyle Relay (1), 5th Backstroke (7) & Butterfly
Jaxon D - 1st Freestyle Relay (1)
Ted S - 3rd Backstroke (5)
Emily R - 1st Freestyle Relay (1) & 5th Breaststroke (7)
Matilda D - 1st Butterfly (1), Freestyle Relay (1) & 2nd Freestyle (3)
Edie H - 1st Freestyle Relay (1), 2nd Backstroke (4) & 5th Freestyle (11)
Lily A - Breaststroke
Meg A - 1st Freestyle Relay (1)
Ollie M - 2nd Breaststroke (5), 3rd Freestyle Relay (3) & 4th Backstroke (8)
Max P - 3rd Freestyle Relay (3) & Breaststroke
Cooper S - 3rd Freestyle Relay (3) & 4th Freestyle (8)
Javier B - 1st Freestyle, 2nd Backstroke & 3rd Freestyle Relay
Grace S - 1st Breaststroke (1), Freestyle Relay, Medley Relay & 2nd Freestyle (7)
Leni J - 3rd Breaststroke (4) & 4th Backstroke (7)
Emily L - 1st Butterfly (1), Freestyle (2), Freestyle Relay (1), Medley Relay (1)
Phoebe B - 1st Backstroke (3) & Freestyle Relay (1)
Valeria S-M - 1st Freestyle Relay (1) & 3rd Butterfly (5)
Tristan V-Z - 1st Breaststroke (1), Freestyle Relay (1) & 3rd Freestyle (3)
Abel N - 1st Butterfly (1), Freestyle (1), Freestyle Relay (1)
Noah M - 1st Backstroke (1) & Freestyle Relay (1)
Peter S - 1st Freestyle Relay (1) & 2nd Breaststroke (2)

Mr Gary Davidson
Head of Sport (F-6)

Greater Western Region Senior Cricket

On Wednesday, the Year 11 and 12 boys cricket team travelled to Ballarat to compete in the Greater Western Region Senior Cricket Finals. The boys started well, winning their first game against Phoenix P-12 College, but unfortunately lost the next two games to Emmanuel College and Mercy Regional College. It was a great effort from the boys to still be competitive despite having just 10 players.

Congratulations to Jude B, Dezi C, Brodie F, Joshua H, Aiden N, Angus N, Jed P, Nate P, Xavier S and Zacharia vB for their efforts. Thank you to Mr Metelmann and Miss Ellis who accompanied the boys on this trip.

Greater Western Region Intermediate Tennis

Also on Wednesday, the Year 9 girls that formed the Intermediate Tennis team lit up the courts at Hollioake Park as they cruised past the competition in straight sets to become the first WLC team this year to qualify for the State Finals.

Eliza B, Victoria B, Serena J and Mia L won their first fixture of the day, against Trinity College, six sets to love (36 games to 13) before powering past Phoenix P-12 College in the second match, winning 36 games to 7.

Congratulations to the girls, and thanks to Ms Reid for supervising the girls and driving the bus for these events. The State Finals for Tennis this year will be held on Friday, 16 May at the Glen Waverley Sports Hub.

Black Ranges Swimming

27 students from WLC descended on the Horsham Aquatic Centre on Thursday to compete in the Black Ranges Swimming Championships. Students from WLC put in multiple impressive performances over the course of the day, with Chase B and Edward J recognised as equal ‘Champion Swimmers’ on the day for claiming the most points in their individual 50 metre events.

The final results for the event have not yet been published, but a summary of results will be included when they are distributed to schools. We had four relay teams finish in first place and secure qualification to the Regional Finals on March 26, alongside a number of students who finished first in their individual events. Congratulations to all students involved.

Coming Events

March

10 + 11 - HTR Velodrome Trials 2025
17 - Black Ranges Intermediate & Senior Volleyball (Horsham)
26 - Greater Western Region Primary & Secondary Swimming (Horsham)
29 - AHPVSS Round 1 (Mount Gambier)
31 - WLC Horsham Year 7-12 Athletics Carnival (Dudley Cornell Park)

April

1 - Greater Western Region Intermediate & Senior Volleyball (Horsham)
28 - WLC Horsham Secondary Cross Country
29 - Black Ranges Intermediate & Senior Girls AFL (Horsham)

Mr Matthew McLoughlin
Head of Sport (7-12)

SPECIAL REPORT: Social Media & Comparison Culture

Young people today are growing up in a world where exposure to other people's lives is constant. Through social media and other platforms, they are regularly presented with curated highlights - from flawless holiday photos and academic milestones to the latest fashion trends and fitness achievements. This continuous stream of idealised content fuels what is known as comparison culture, where self-worth is often measured by how someone stacks up against others.

For children and adolescents, who are still figuring out who they are, this culture can be particularly damaging. Constantly comparing their appearance, achievements, or social standing to friends, influencers, and even strangers can lead to unrealistic expectations and a skewed sense of self-worth. This relentless need to measure up can contribute to feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and anxiety - undermining both confidence and emotional wellbeing.

It's vital that parents and caregivers understand how deeply comparison culture can influence a child's self-perception and sense of value. Left unchecked, it can foster perfectionism and a dependence on external validation, where a 'like' or comment becomes the measure of their worth.